North Texas Breaks 66-Year Drought, Returns to AP Top 25; College Football Playoff Chances Rise

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North Texas has ended its record-breaking 66-year absence from the AP Top 25 poll, rising to No. 22 after a 9-1 start to the season. The Mean Green's impressive run has put them back in contention for the College Football Playoff's Group of Five automatic bid. In 1959, the last time UNT was ranked, Dwight D. Eisenhower was U.S. president, Hawaii was a new state, and a gallon of gas cost just 31 cents. The team's resurgence has been fueled by a high-powered offense and a stingy defense, which has secured 24 takeaways this season. UNT coach Eric Morris credited the team's success to the hard work and dedication of the players and staff, as well as the university and community's faith in the program. Despite the achievement, Morris emphasized that the team's focus remains on the upcoming game against Rice. The Mean Green's recent victory over UAB marked the third time they've scored at least 50 points in four consecutive wins since their loss to South Florida. This accomplishment, combined with South Florida's loss to Navy, has put UNT back in the running for the American Conference championship game. However, they face stiff competition from Tulane, Navy, and East Carolina, all of which have one conference loss with two weeks left in the regular season. The Mean Green will look to maintain their momentum with a strong performance against Rice, led by freshman running back Caleb Hawkins and quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Other notable storylines from the AP Top 25 include Texas A&M's dramatic 27-point comeback to beat South Carolina, and Michigan State's record-breaking comeback in 2006. Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M have held the top three spots in the poll for five consecutive weeks, the longest such streak since 2023. Wayshawn Parker, a standout running back for No. 13 Utah, has recorded three consecutive 100-yard games, earning him the right to wear pink cleats in the next game. The Utes host Kansas State this week, looking to build on their impressive 55-28 win over Baylor. The SEC has seen its share of upsets, with No. 4 Georgia falling behind early in seven of its eight conference games. The Bulldogs have managed to go 6-1 in those contests, with their only SEC loss coming in a 35-14 win over Kentucky. Other teams making headlines include No. 12 Vanderbilt, which has its highest ranking since 1948, and No. 5 Mississippi, which has its highest November ranking since 1963. James Madison's 48-point win over Appalachian State marked the largest margin against a Sun Belt team this season.